Adams downplays ankle injury

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An ankle injury has failed to sour another breakout NBA performance from New Zealand rookie Steven Adams, as Oklahoma City claimed a thrilling 115-111 win over Minnesota yesterday.

Adams was on track for his second career double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds) when he sprained his right ankle and hobbled to the locker room.

The Kiwi centre did not return to the game but still finished with the impressive stat-line of 10 points and nine rebounds from his 16 minutes on court at the Target Centre in Minneapolis.

Adams hit four of five shots from the field, nailed both of his free throws and then downplayed concerns over his ankle with a typical tweet.

"Just a flesh wound. #ThunderUp #KiwiBlood," Adams posted, further endearing himself to Thunder fans in New Zealand and around the world.

Oklahoma City superstar Kevin Durant had another virtuoso performance as he continues to lift his game in the absence of injured running mate Russell Westbrook (knee).

Durant scored 23 of his season-high 48 points in the fourth quarter as the Thunder rallied from a 13-point deficit, and hit an 18-footer to give his team the lead with four seconds to play. The Thunder (26-7) share the Western Conference lead with Portland.